Sign inBefore taking nicardipine
Before taking nicardipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you have ever suffered from a heart attack or have any other heart problems.
- If you have ever had a stroke.
- If you are intolerant to some sugars.
- Nicardipine is not recommended in patients under 18 years.
How to take nicardipine
- Take nicardipine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Capsules should be swallowed whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
- Try to take nicardipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you miss a dose of nicardipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is within 3 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not stop taking nicardipine without speaking to your doctor first.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice whilst you are being treated with nicardipine.
- When you first start taking nicardipine you may experience headaches, hot flushes, swollen ankles and dizziness. These will usually only last a few days, but if they continue speak to your doctor.
- If you are taking nicardipine for angina and you need immediate relief of chest pain, this should be treated with a different type of medicine. Speak to your doctor about this.
Can nicardipine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor. |
| Nausea | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. |
| Dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol, it may increase any feelings of dizziness. |
| Swollen ankles, heat sensation, flushing (redness of the face), fast heart beat | Speak to you doctor or pharmacist if any of these continue. |
Important: If you experience sudden dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes nicardipine can cause the blood pressure to drop too much which if not dealt with could damage your heart or brain.
Other side-effects may include drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, skin rashes, itching, pins and needles, heart complaints, passing water more frequently, difficulty passing water, stomach upset, sexual problems, depression and bruising. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store nicardipine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
- Manufacturer's PIL, Cardene SR® Capsules, Astellas Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium, Text revised February 2006.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Cardene® Capsules, Astellas Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2005.